I train horses to be trusty
steeds who follow directions, cooperate and make good ranch
work partners.
I believe horses need jobs and are happier when they can
understand directions and do many things well.
I do not follow trendy clinic trainers who pretend they
invented horse training. I don't sell gimmicks like rope
halters, magic sticks, strawberry scented bits, Special
Carrot Stall Spray, or expensive saddle pads with my name
on them. But I wish I did so I could give myself a discount
on the pads.
My job is to do what I can to make a horse and owner communicate
with each other well and work together. I want the owner
to be able to ride their horse and not need my help anymore.
I believe all horses should have good manners, stand quietly,
follow directions, work a gate, sidepass and do daily ranch
style work. I do regular traditional ranch style horse
training using old handed down used well worn dependable
functional training techniques.
What I do is a combination of many things I have learned
from many talented people over 35+ years, with my own twists
added here and there. Most of us regular trainers are not
smart enough to call something a neat name, write a book
about it and "invent" the technique. For instance,
all the foals I bred and raised were handled by me from
birth, since my first foal in 1980. Then in the year 2000
some vet wrote a book called Imprint Training, and right
then he invented handling foals from birth. It was his
idea all along. Someone recently asked me if I "imprinted" Terminatrix?
I said no. I handled her from birth. It doesn't sound as
impressive, but it's the same thing. Only I didn't write
the book and take the credit for it.
I am proud give credit here to some of the great riders
and trainers who I have bought, observed and sometimes
stolen ideas from;
Shane and Harold Farren- Reining trainers. I learned so
much from them I don't know where to start. I believe I
pull out one or two of Shane's tricks every day.
Lee Dorr-Judge-Halter. No one showed a weanling better
than Lee.
Vivian Dorr-Judge, Trick Rider, mentor. Vivian has forgotten
more in the last 10 minutes than I will ever know. She
helps me every day.
Paul Singer-Breeder-Horseman. Paul helped me buy Shambug,
and for that I will be forever grateful.
Jon Higginson-Western Riding-Trail-Western Pleasure-Halter
I always try to ride as well as Jon. I never will.
Edna Schenck-Trail-Western Pleasure. Edna pointed out to
me the obvious. And her dogs tried to eat my daughter once.
Bill Timmons-Judge-Showmanship. Bill made me tough. He
never made me cry though. He tried.
Rocky Wright-Judge. Mr. Wright made me tougher. Rocky liked
to make exhibitors sweat.
Ted Schindler-Cowboy-Rancher-Polo Referee-Artist-Fine Saddle
Maker. It's because of Ted I ride. He put up with a pesty
little girl who really liked horses.
I have a much longer and, possibly more important, list
of people who taught me what NOT to do. I am thankful to
them also. One of my favorites was the guy at the trail
trials who dallied the rope attached to the BIG HEAVY TREE
BRANCH, on a horse who had never pulled anything before.
They set quite a speed record. I don't think I've ever
moved so fast, or yelled "RUN!!!!" as loudly
since then.
And another guy who picked up the ice chest full of beer,
out of the back of the truck, on a horse who was not a
fan of beer and ice chests. Did you know that the centrifugal
force of an ice chest spinning fast enough could pull a
grown man right off a horse? Me either! It was pretty impressive!